FAVORITE TEAMS

5 TAKEAWAYS FROM WEEK 3:

• Marshall, Marshall, Marshall!!! They made the Top 25 for the first time since 2014!!!
• Navy made a big comeback in the second half after a familiar lackluster performance in the first half.
• Oklahoma State’s sluggish game against Tulsa could either be a first week hiccup or a concern between players and head coach from the offseason.
• UCF is a team to watch out for. The AAC could make their case for a playoff spot (we’re still waiting on Memphis and Houston though).
• Miami is a potential competitor against Clemson, and D’Eriq King could get them there.

5. MISSISSIPPI STATE AT #6 LSU -12:30PM PT / 3:30PM ET on CBS

Number 5 is centered on LSU’s major roster change in 2020.

The good news is that defensive end Neil Farrell Jr. opts back in. Three bad news though: He needs time to get into game shape, some of LSU’s roster are in the NFL now, and players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Shelvin opted out. They are resilient because they roll in new, high-talented prospects that can play immediately and still win. We’ll find out how LSU adjusts with new players, including how good quarterback Myles Brennan is. I haven’t trusted QBs at LSU except three in the past decade (Joe Burrow, Danny Etling, and Zach Mettenberger). Whether he performs well or not, the run game is the priority.

LSU shouldn’t have an issue against Mississippi State’s Air Raid offense, but the Bulldogs twice have snuck up on LSU (2014 and 2017). If the young and the replacement Tigers don’t quickly adjust, Leach’s team could take a surprising advantage.

4. WEST VIRGINIA (1-0) AT #15 OKLAHOMA STATE (1-0) – 12:30PM PT / 3:30PM ET ABC

Oklahoma State’s lackluster performance puts them on upset alert. Everyone expected a high-scoring game but the 16-7 result wasn’t normal in northern Oklahoma last week. Chuba Hubbard didn’t make many big plays, the O-Line was suspect all game, and they lost quarterback Spencer Sanders for the rest of the game. His injury that early alone led to Oklahoma State’s offensive struggles for the rest of the game.

West Virginia played 2 weeks ago with 10 plus players suspended and still tore up Eastern Kentucky with 56 points. Now they all served their suspensions and are ready for Stillwater. Here’s the player to watch: Quarterback Jarret Doege. The Bowling Green transfer threw for 228 and three touchdowns. He did good with a bad Bowling Green team in his first two seasons before transferring. Then he showed some improvement after starting two of the last three games in 2019. He went 2-1 (won both games on the road), passed for 699 yards, six touchdowns to three interceptions. Guess who that lone loss was to…Oklahoma State…by a touchdown.

The last seven seasons were fairly competitive with the closest being decided by four points. West Virginia feels confident with the majority of the players returning from suspension. They have a quarterback who looks for real and have an underrated Big 12 defense. Quarterback Spencer Sanders is questionable and without him, this offense must adjust without his presence. This could be West Virginia’s shot at upsetting the Cowboys.

3. #24 LOUISVILLE (1-1 OVERALL; 0-1 ACC) AT #21 PITTSBURGH (2-0 OVERALL; 1-0 ACC) – 9AM PT / 12PM ET ACC NETWORK

Louisville tried staying with Miami, but the Canes’ offense was too much for Louisville’s defense to handle. Quarterback Micale Cunningham and the offense made plays, but Miami did enough to slow down their progression. As good as their offense is, they have their hands full with another team that’s physical on defense.

Pittsburgh allowed 10 points through two games and is deemed the best rushing defense in the nation…so far (despite Texas and Texas Tech being above them, they played only one game). Quarterback Kenny Pickett played well in his first two games, but his test starts with Louisville in the ACC opener. He has options and the return of receiver Taysir Mack adds to their receiving corp.

Pitt won five of the last six meetings with the last one being 2015. Louisville’s defense may hold them back from a second ACC title spot. What could change is pressuring Kenny Pickett and his receivers. Louisville’s offense can get the job done but if the Cards’ defense fails to stop Pitts’ offense, they most likely fail to contend for an ACC title spot.

2. #22 ARMY (2-0) AT #14 CINCINNATI (1-0) – 12:30PM PT / 3:30PM ET on ESPN

Army vs. Cincinnati makes for an intriguing matchup. Army has the best time of possession, plays good defense, and runs a dangerous triple-option. Cincinnati plays all-around defense and has a quarterback that knows how to win games with his arm and legs. Army rolled through their first two games allowing only seven points, while Cincy hammered Austin Peay in the first game of the season. In six meetings, Army and Cincy won three each. Army won by 17 plus points in those meetings while Cincy won by less than touchdown in their three.

Army may have bounced back after a dreadful last season full of injuries, holes that had to be filled, and a schedule that beefed up October schedule. They’re playing like the team that had three straight winning seasons prior to 2019, but Cincinnati could be there toughest opponent on the schedule all season. They’re effective against the run and their defensive backs would let them pass knowing Army’s not made for aerial assault. Cincy’s offense usually goes as quarterback Desmond Ridder goes as long as he’s healthy.

If Army control’s time of possession and the line of scrimmage, they could pull off the upset. But Army must do what they failed to do against Oklahoma and Michigan: don’t turn the ball over on their potential, game-winning possession.

1. #23 KENTUCKY AT #8 AUBURN – 9AM PT / 12PM ET on SEC NETWORK

I’m a Big 12 guy, but it’s good to know the SEC’s playing football this weekend. Of all the games, this matchup is the most intriguing to watch. Both teams are underrated in their divisions and have the pieces to challenge some SEC opponents.

Kentucky’s backfield is the offense’s strength and their quarterback was a former wide receiver. The Wildcats had the second-best passing defense in the nation and most of their coverage return to compete with Auburn’s offense. This defense overall has another year of experience and could be dangerous.

Auburn returns quarterback Bo Nix and his top three wide receivers. Unfortunately, they replace four of their five offensive line and lose running back JaTarvious “Boobee” Whitlow after transferring to Western Illinois. He led the team with 763 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. They have about three to four running backs that could play on the field. Despite losing defensive fronts Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson, the front seven should be as dangerous as last season. However, watch for the linebackers because they’re currently thin at that position.

The last two meetings were decided by a field goal. Auburn is favored by more than a touchdown against Kentucky. The only problem is the offensive line. If they can protect Bo Nix and create lanes for the backs to run through, the offense will be fine. The same could be said for Kentucky and how effective their passing game could be if the nation’s fourth best rushing offense is stifled by Auburn’s front seven. As long as quarterback Terry Wilson and running back Asim Rose and the rest take care of the ball, they could control the line of scrimmage like last season. It definitely spells a close game and likely comes down to special teams and a field goal once again.

RESULTS FROM LAST WEEK’S TOP 5 GAMES